Robin Hood stars kick off Cannes

Russell Crowe and his
Robin Hood co-stars have kicked off the 63rd Cannes Film Festival.

Russell, who plays the Sir Ridley Scott film’s title role, said the decision to return to the roots of the Robin Hood legend was an attempt to understand what motivated his character.

Russell Crowe and his Robin Hood co-stars are at the Cannes Film Festival

He said: “There isn’t a Robin Hood that’s been done that gives me a satisfying feeling that I know the motivations of the individual, so that’s what we attempted to do. There were many, many hours of discussion before we came to the fact that we’d better start at the beginning of the story and see how we do.”

Asked at a press conference if she felt the film held contemporary resonance, Russell’s co-star Cate Blanchett said it was an “irony” that Robin Hood’s screening at Cannes coincided with the formation of a new Government in the legendary hero’s home country.

Opening with the death of Richard I, the film is focused on the early stages of King John’s reign, and the title character’s return to a homeland affected by overseas wars.

The actress said: “It is true, and it’s sort of an irony that this is all going on and the film is being released today. But I think it’s a testament to Ridley’s talent as a director that all these things are going on (in the film) and it’s still a wild ride.”

Sir Ridley, 72, was unable to attend the festival after recently undergoing surgery.

The Gladiator director instead sent a message, which said: “Truly doctor’s orders are the only thing that could keep me from being there.”